Install Uninstall Apps Ubuntu: Full Guide

To install or uninstall apps on Ubuntu, you use the APT package manager with commands like sudo apt install [package] and sudo apt remove [package], or you can use the graphical Ubuntu Software Center for a point-and-click approach. This guide covers both methods, plus Snap, Flatpak, and .deb files, so you can manage software confidently on any modern Ubuntu version.

How Ubuntu Software Management Works

Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux distribution, which means most software comes as pre-compiled .deb packages. The core tool for handling these packages is APT (Advanced Package Tool). APT reads a local list of available packages from online repositories, downloads the ones you request, and resolves dependencies automatically. When you run sudo apt install firefox, APT finds Firefox, checks what libraries it needs, installs those too, and then configures everything. Uninstalling with sudo apt remove firefox deletes the package but leaves configuration files behind; sudo apt purge firefox removes those as well.

Since Ubuntu 16.04, Snap is also bundled by default. Snaps are self-contained packages that bundle their dependencies, making them more portable but larger and sometimes slower to start. The Ubuntu Software Center now shows both APT and Snap apps, which can cause confusion when you see two versions of the same app.

Installing Apps with APT (Terminal Method)

The most reliable way to install software on Ubuntu is through the terminal. Open it with Ctrl+Alt+T and follow these steps:

Update your package list: sudo apt update
Search for a package: apt search [keyword] (e.g., apt search video editor)
Install it: sudo apt install [package-name]
Confirm with Y when prompted.

For example, to install the VLC media player, you would run sudo apt install vlc. APT will show you how much disk space it will use and which extra packages it needs. If you already have a package installed and want to upgrade it, sudo apt upgrade updates everything at once.

Uninstalling Apps with APT

To remove an app, you need to know its exact package name. You can find it with apt list --installed | grep [keyword]. Then use one of these commands:

sudo apt remove [package] – removes the app but keeps config files (useful if you plan to reinstall).
sudo apt purge [package] – removes the app and its configuration files completely.
sudo apt autoremove – cleans up dependencies that are no longer needed after uninstalling.

For instance, to completely remove LibreOffice, you would run sudo apt purge libreoffice* (the asterisk catches all related packages). Be careful with wildcards, though – always check what APT says it will remove before confirming.

Using the Ubuntu Software Center

If you prefer a graphical interface, the Ubuntu Software Center (also called GNOME Software) is your friend. Click the shopping-bag icon in the dock, search for an app, and click Install. To uninstall, go to the Installed tab, find the app, and click Remove. This tool handles both APT and Snap packages behind the scenes, so you don’t need to know which one you’re using.

One drawback is that the Software Center sometimes shows outdated or duplicate listings. If an app fails to install from there, switch to the terminal – it will give you a clearer error message.

Snap, Flatpak, and .deb Files

Beyond APT, you have three other common ways to get software:

Snap: Pre-installed on Ubuntu. Install with sudo snap install [app], remove with sudo snap remove [app]. Snap apps run in a sandbox and auto-update.
Flatpak: Not pre-installed, but popular on other distros. You can enable it with sudo apt install flatpak and then add the Flathub repository. Install with flatpak install flathub [app], remove with flatpak uninstall [app].
.deb files: Downloaded directly from a website (e.g., Google Chrome). Double-click the file and it opens in the Software Center, or install from the terminal with sudo dpkg -i [file.deb]. If you get dependency errors, run sudo apt -f install to fix them.

Each method has its own uninstall command, so remember which one you used. A common mistake is trying to remove a Snap with apt – it won’t work.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

When installing or uninstalling, you may hit these issues:

“Unable to locate package”: Run sudo apt update first. If the package still isn’t found, it might not be in the default repositories.
“Package has unmet dependencies”: Run sudo apt --fix-broken install to repair the dependency tree.
“Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock”: Another process (like the Software Center) is using APT. Close it, or if it’s stuck, run sudo killall apt apt-get.
App won’t uninstall from Software Center: Try the terminal command for the package type you used.
Snap app doesn’t start after install: Log out and back in, or reboot – Snap’s mount points sometimes need a refresh.

If you’re unsure what package a command belongs to, use which [command] to find its path, then dpkg -S [path] to see which package owns it.

Choosing the Right Method

Which method should you use? Here’s a quick guide:

APT: Best for system packages, core utilities, and anything in the official repositories. It integrates with your system updates.
Snap: Good for proprietary apps (like Spotify) or when you want the latest version. But snaps use more disk space and may run slower.
Flatpak: Choose this if you want a broader app selection and don’t mind adding third-party repositories. It’s also more portable across distros.
.deb files: Only for apps that aren’t in any repository (e.g., Google Chrome, Zoom). Be careful – you won’t get automatic updates.

For most users, sticking with APT for system tools and Snap for GUI apps is the simplest approach. If you’re a developer or power user, Flatpak offers more control over permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see what apps are installed?

Run apt list --installed to list all APT packages. For snaps, use snap list. The Software Center also shows installed apps in its Installed tab, but it may not show everything.

What’s the difference between remove and purge?

remove deletes the program files but leaves configuration files in your home directory and /etc. purge deletes those too. Use purge if you want a completely clean slate, especially if you’re reinstalling a different version.

Why do some apps install as snaps even when I use apt?

On recent Ubuntu versions, some packages (like Firefox) are transitional – the apt install firefox command actually installs a snap. This is a deliberate choice by Canonical to ensure you get the latest version. Check with snap list to confirm.

Can I install apps without sudo?

No, system-wide installation requires root privileges. However, you can use flatpak install --user to install Flatpaks in your home directory without sudo. Snaps and APT both require sudo.

How do I uninstall a .deb file I installed manually?

Find the package name with dpkg -l | grep [keyword], then remove it with sudo apt remove [package-name]. The original .deb file isn’t needed for uninstallation.

Is it safe to use sudo apt autoremove?

Yes, it only removes packages that were installed as dependencies and are no longer needed. It won’t touch anything you explicitly installed. It’s a good habit to run it after uninstalling apps to free up space.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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